Sultanate Oman in the Persian Gulf is still an unusual direction for mass tourism. Meanwhile, this Arabic country attracts with an oriental flavor, reminiscent of the fairy tales “A Thousand and One Nights”, a pleasant combination of kilometer beaches and endless velvens with cozy hotels and a variety of sports activities.
Entrance rules
All Covid restraints for tourists have been shot. Russians will need a passport to enter the country, the validity of which is at least six months after the end of the trip. For a tourist trip no more than 14 days is not needed a visa. For 30 days you can decorate the Tursviz online, the cost is 20 RIALOV (about 3,200 rubles). The local currency is Oman Rial, 1 OMR is approximately equal to 159 rubles.
How to get
Direct flights from Russia to Oman from December 2, 2022 resumed Oman Air airline: from Moscow to Muscat, you can fly away on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and from December 26, 2022 and on Mondays. The cost of tickets starts from 83,000 rubles* back and forth. It is cheaper to fly with a transplant, for example, in Sharge, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Istanbul. The shortest transplants in Emirates also regularly fly Flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways. Prices start from 46,000 rubles* in both directions.
Briefly about the country
Half a century ago, the Sultan Kabus Ben Said, who ruled then, refused to isolate, took up the modernization of the country and opened it for tourists. At the same time, the Sultanate did not turn into a kind of Dubai or a dog with their skyscrapers made of glass and concrete – they do not build houses above 13 floors here. Oman managed to preserve the national flavor expressed in numerous forts, mosques, traditional architecture, museums and palaces. Velvens, canyons, beaches, excellent tracks among the desert, rare green turtles, the smell of incense and noisy bazaars – this is all the exotic and alluring Oman.
Maskat: Forts, Palace, Opera and Museums
The capital of Oman stretched along the coast of 60 km, occupying a narrow strip of land between the bay and mountains. Tourists are interested in the old city and the walking area of Mutra in half an hour from it. The historical center is two impressive forts, rising among the rocks on the shores of the bay, and the colorful palace of the Sultan between them. The forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, reminiscent of medieval castles, were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Now these are military facilities, so getting inside will not work. The beautiful views of Alam Palace – the Sultan Palace with elegant blue and golden mosaic columns of an unusual shape. Near it a flowering garden with finite palm trees is broken.
A little further from the bay is the Museum of Culture of Oman Beit El Zubair, which gives an idea of the history of these places, residents and their life. In one of the halls, a traditional Oman village is recreated, and in the garden there is a hut from palm branches. The museum has a souvenir store and a cafe. You can continue acquaintance with the history of the city at a small exhibition at a new gate or, if there is enough time, in a large -scale National Museum.
The Miters area is known for a park with another symbol of Oman – a building in the form of a giant smoker for incense. The fragrant resin of the Boswelli tree has long been mined in the Sultanate and went with trade caravans around the world. On the embankment, we recommend that you get to the old bazaar, where you can buy incense, traditional fest caps, dates, camel figures and other souvenirs. Along the way, climb the Fort Mutra and admire the height views of the bay.
In the new part of the city, look at the mosque of the Sultan of Kabus, built in 2001. The elements of the finish are amazing: bizarre frescoes with plant and geometric patterns, the second in the world in size, a Persian handmade carrier carrier carrier of 4200 kV m and an 8-ton chandelier with Swarovski crystals. Her pendants are repeated by the minarets of the mosque in miniature.
The Royal Opera of the Maskat with its traditional Arab architecture, Italian pink marble and decoration with a red tree after the mosque seems quite modest, but still worthy of visiting. If you can’t get to the performance (tickets are quickly sold out), you can take an excursion: you will see interiors, hall and organ. There are also restaurants, handmade souvenirs and boutiques with jewelry and perfumes in the gallery complex.
Where to stay in the masqueute:
Mutrah Hotel (rating 8.4) – from 3,100 rubles per day*.
Seraton Oman Hotel (rating 8.5) – from 10,400 rubles per night*.
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel (rating 9.3)-from 30,800 rubles per day*.
What to see outside the capital
Two hours from the Maskat is Vadi Shab-a mountain gorge, once broken in rocks with water. There are many such canyons with lakes and rivers in Oman, this one is one of the most affordable. To get to it, you need to cross the boat to the other side. Further, the path goes first along the dry section of the channel, then along large boulders, and then – only swim among the steep walls and bizarre rock piles. In the finale, you need to literally climb through a narrow gap leading into a grotto with a waterfall. The water in the lakes of an amazing emerald color, and banana palm trees grow around – a real oasis in the desert, full of bird singing.
By the way, about the desert: to be in Oman and not to see cramas and camels with your own eyes – nonsense. In the Vahib desert, 300 km from the masqueute were set up by several tent camps, which often carry tourists. Agencies offer tours with an overnight stay in the tents of Bedouins or luxurious campsites, with a romantic dinner, camel or buggy riding.
You can get to the dunes yourself, renting an all -wheel drive jeep. To be left alone with the dunes and observe the wind patterns on the reddish-orange velvet of the sand is better in Rub al Hali near the border with Saudi Arabia. The variable forms of huge masses of golden sand, the rays of the sun and the stellar sky of the desert will be remembered for a long time.
On the way back from the Arabian desert, look into the tropical salla. The contrast of wasteland and greenery is amazing: snow -white beaches decorate classic palm trees as from advertising of paradise life, and the city itself is surrounded by hills overgrown with forest. Early in the morning by the water you can even find pink flamingos. Wait for the heat to go to the archaeological museum with the poetic name “Museum of the Ladan Country”. There are ancient artifacts from excavations, models of settlements, fortresses and Oman boats, as well as various types of incense and a collection of meteorites. The open -air archaeopark will be interesting to lovers of history, and Vadi Darbat is next to the city – those who like to walk around the canyons. Mini-waterfalls, lakes and a riot of greenery and camels-the multiplicated Oman can surprise. Before walking, do not forget to replenish the supply of fruits: on the exit from the salala in huts under the palm trees, coconuts, mango, guava, bananas and other local fruits are sold.
Another popular place 240 km from the Maskat – Vadi Gw, it is called Grand Canyon Oman. Landscapes really resemble the American West. This is one of the most beautiful and grandiose valleys of this kind in the Sultanate: the journey begins in the dry channel of the river, then the path gradually rises to a steep balcony and ends a few kilometers with a lake with transparent water. We advise you to spend the night in one of the hotels at the top or in its tent with amazing views on two -kilometer cliffs. In the area of the top of Jabal Shams, there are a lot of hiking routes, observation platforms and opportunities for extreme relaxation – from canyoning to climbing, including in the snake of Canyon. So ideally you need to have at least a couple of days in order to slowly have time.
Not far from the Grand of Canyon, it is worth looking into the old capital of Oman Nedov. In the center of the city, the fortress of the XVII century rises, where tourists are allowed. The tower, narrow stairs, guns, an exhibition of weapons, clothes and utensils, along with photographing the mosque with an unusual painted dome, will take a couple of hours. Nearby visit a colorful bitches (bazaar) with a huge selection of pretty clay vessels, vases and other products of pottery, sweets and an authentic auction of animals, which takes place on Fridays.
Another reason to come to Oman is the area of Ras Al Jins at the very eastern cape of the country, known as the turtle paradise. Sandy beaches washed by the Oman Bay is a place for nesting green sea turtles. Here you can see both adults and just hatched turtles that get out of the nest and go towards their first wave. However, you can only watch this at night. We advise you to stop at the hotel or one of the campsites (there is wild and equipped). If you go to a meeting with the turtles yourself, remember that bright light scares animals.
Useful tips for those who plan to travel
- The best time for the trip is from mid -October to the end of March. From April to September, the temperature rarely drops below +50 ºС.
- Public transport rarely goes. To inspect more interesting places, take the car for rent – preferably a jeep, so there is less chance of getting stuck in the desert or stone channel of the river.
- Outside the beaches and resorts, it is not recommended to wear open clothes (above the knee or with open shoulders).
- Go to the canyons in coral slippers or mesh sneakers with non -slip soles. Do not forget the waterproof cover for the phone.
- The Sultan Kabusa mosque in Muscat is open for tourists from 8:30 to 11:00 daily except Friday. For women, a scarf that covers hair is required.
- If you want to see the birth of turtles, go to the reserve from May to October.
*Prices are relevant at the time of publication.
To rent a hotel room, use the Onetwotrip travel planning service.
